The medial temporal lobes and majority of the hippocampus are the locations where the transfer of memories occurs. This was determined by an operation conducted on a patient suffering from intractable seizures. (Scoville and Milner 1957, pg 11-13) This patient underwent an operation which involved the surface removal of the temporal lobes and causing partial destruction to the hippocampus to cure him of the seizures. After the operation the patient’s memory had been completely eradicated. This lead to further investigation and operations which determined that the patient had damaged the portion of his brain which was necessary in recalling short-term memories.
After recovering from the operation, the patient could not remember details for up to a few years. Events after the operation could not be recalled by him despite being able to easily recall memories before the operation. Even after being discharged from the hospital, he could not recall events that had just occurred. This lead researcher to believe that the process of transferring information occurs over several years. Also that the hippocampus and medial temporal lobes are necessary for short term memories to become long-term memories.
Where is our short-term memory stored?
The medial temporal lobes and majority of the hippocampus are the locations where the transfer of memories occurs. This was determined by an operation conducted on a patient suffering from intractable seizures. (Scoville and Milner 1957, pg 11-13) This patient underwent an operation which involved the surface removal of the temporal lobes and causing partial destruction to the hippocampus to cure him of the seizures. After the operation the patient’s memory had been completely eradicated. This lead to further investigation and operations which determined that the patient had damaged the portion of his brain which was necessary in recalling short-term memories.
After recovering from the operation, the patient could not remember details for up to a few years. Events after the operation could not be recalled by him despite being able to easily recall memories before the operation. Even after being discharged from the hospital, he could not recall events that had just occurred. This lead researcher to believe that the process of transferring information occurs over several years. Also that the hippocampus and medial temporal lobes are necessary for short term memories to become long-term memories.